On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has re-hit his criticism of Air New Zealand, saying its looming price increases were a further "affront" to the provinces and the airline needed to "go back to basics".

Jones was previously strongly critical of Air NZ over its services for regional New Zealand after it closed flights to the Kapiti Coast earlier this year, going so far as to say some board members should go.

After news today that Air NZ would lift its prices by a further 5 per cent to help cover increased costs such as labour and fuel, Jones said he knew the company faced challenges, such as problems with its Dreamliners and fuel increases.

"It's a commercial decision, I accept that. They are facing a bunch of commercial pressures, but Air NZ should have no doubt my voice will not be stifled by these matters.